THERE was a distinctly ‘Southern’ accent to Chepstow on Saturday (August 17) with a celebration of all things Country and Western.

Nashville Day in the town set the scene for the latest in the series of Castell Roc concerts at Chepstow Castle that evening, A Country Night in Nashville.

There was Country music, demonstrations by Noreen’s Line Dancers – who were joined in the High Street by Chepstow Brownies – and the Dean Valley Line Dancers, a cheerleading display by Caldicot-based Wye Gymnastics and Galaxy Cheerleaders, displays of American cars and bikes, a fun casino at the Palmer Centre and even a visit from Captain America and Toy Story characters Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

Organiser Carol Mutlow, who runs a music shop in the town, said: “It’s been a great success with loads of people in town.

“Everyone has got involved – we had bunting made by the schoolchildren and the firemen put it up.”

The idea for the day came out of plans for a market to be held when the Christmas lights are switched on in November.

Vicki Butters, who helped organise the Nashville event, said: “We did a Christmas market last year which was a great success and we were asked by the council to join with the market at the Christmas – so the question was what would we do in the meantime?”

The concert at the castle gave them a ready-made them.

Ms Butters added: “It’s been a real team effort with lots of people involved to make it such a success.”

Castle Roc continues with concerts from Thursday (August 22) until Sunday (August 25).

The festival concludes with a free ‘community bash’ from 11am to 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday which includes free entry to Chepstow Castle.

For more information visit www.castellroc.co.uk

*See this week’s Review for more photographs.